July 15, 2008

MEMPHIS, TENN. - Quarterback Tyler Bass has enrolled in classes at the University of Memphis for the second summer session that began today, and will be eligible for the 2008 season.

Bass, 6-3, 220, originally signed in February with Maryland. He requested, and was granted, a release by the school. He will join the Tigers on the field for the first fall practice on August 4.

A native of Atlanta, Ga., Bass played at Stockbridge High School where he was a two-year starter at quarterback. He threw for over 2,400 yards and 28 touchdowns in his final two seasons at SHS. He was a dual threat who also rushed for 606 yards and 11 touchdowns on 81 carries as a senior. In 2007, he was ranked 73rd nationally among quarterbacks by Scout.com, and was tabbed 57th nationally as an athlete by Scouts, Inc.

"Tyler was one of our two quarterbacks that we wanted this year in recruiting and so we are very fortunate to now have him in our program," said West. "The timing is certainly good considering that we have lost a couple of guys at that position, and I am excited that things have worked out the way that they did. This is a win for both sides as he is happy to be joining our program, and we are very happy and fortunate to have him."

The squad will officially report for fall camp on Aug. 3, and fans will have their first chance to meet the Tigers and get autographs and pictures at FanFest on Aug. 23 from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., on field 1 at the Murphy Athletic Complex located on the U of M's Park Avenue Campus.

The Tigers open the season in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Aug. 30, against Ole Miss. Kick off is slated for 5 p.m.